"I want to be the best -- not just safety or corner -- but defensive player," Thomas said Tuesday at Super Bowl Media Day.

Sherman is constantly in the spotlight, garnering national attention for his mouth, coverage skills and interceptions. It's Thomas, though, who keys Seattle's historically great pass defense.

With a top-end cornerback's speed, Thomas' freakish range allows the rest of the Seahawks' defensive backs to take more chances. He is the fulcrum on which coach Pete Carroll's pressuring defense rests.